title: An effective physical fitness program for small and medium-sized enterprises.
abstract: The aim of this study is to develop a practicable worksite physical fitness program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Community-based intervention consisting of a three-month exercise course was conducted, and its benefits evaluated. A self-administrated structured questionnaire and physical fitness examination were designed to compare the difference between pre and post intervention. A total of 133 SME workers completed the lifestyle/exercise course and filled out the questionnaire, but 16 were excluded from the exercise group due to health reasons. After the intervention, health indicators such as weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, waistline, BMI, front and back trunk flexibility, abdominal muscle durability and back muscle strength were significantly improved, and improvements in musculoskeletal disorders were seen in reduced neck pain (18.8%), wrist pain (17.4%), and upper/lower back pain (8.7% and 21.7%, respectively). Cardiovascular risk factors (BMI and resting heart rate) showed a significant improvement related to frequent participation in the program (p=0.02), and the exercise group reported a significant difference in overall health (p=0.02). This study has demonstrated an effective approach to community-based fitness intervention through SMEs.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Han Hui
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: Shu Mei
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Ching Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.forename: Chiou Jong
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Ruey Yu
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D018583:Pliability / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012647:Self-Assessment; D058012:Small Business / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D040241:Social Marketing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace